How Country Star Kacey Musgraves Is Prepping for Tonight's CMA Awards

Every time she hits a red carpet, Kacey Musgraves gets people talking. Who can forget last year’s Country Music Association Awards, when the singer-songwriter stepped out with hair so big that it seemed to defy gravity? Tonight, she’ll take the stage to perform at the 49th Annual CMA Awards, and with nominations in three categories—Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Music Video of the Year—it’s no surprise that the country crooner is determined to get her look just right.

Just last week, a mid-workout Musgraves hopped on the phone with InStyle to chat all things CMA Awards (and to give us the scoop on her just-launched line of cowboy boots for Lucchese, which you can shop here), and she revealed that her secrets to prepping for the big night start with a healthy diet. “Any time before an award show or red carpet, I don’t cheat too much,” Musgraves said. “I drink a lot of green tea, and I just try to clear my head and body as best as I can.”

One thing that’s certainly clear is Musgraves's vision for her red carpet look. “I’ve been gathering inspiration for dresses and hair and makeup,” she said. “That’s always a really fun part for me.” And while she wants to make a statement, don’t expect Musgraves to show up wearing something similar to the ensembles that she’s rocked in the past. “I’ve always gone for something kitschy, usually with a ‘60s vibe,” she said. “But this year, I’m going to switch it up a bit and do something a little different.”

And that starts with the color palette. You won't see Musgraves hitting tonight's red carpet in a pastel hue, like she did in 2014. “I’m really into wearing something rich and autumnal,” she said. “I wore baby pink last year, and I won’t be doing that again.” She’s venturing into new territory when it comes to her beauty look, too. “I’ve never done a dark lip on a red carpet, so I think I’m going to go for it,” said Musgraves. “I’m just really feeling the fall this year.”

But even if she goes for a darker look before the show, Musgraves will have another chance to surprise us with her look when she hits the stage to perform. “My outfit is inspired directly by the song that I'm singing,” she said. “It’s going to be a throwback look, and very retro. The silhouettes are inspired by ‘50s and ‘60s country stars, and it’s very sparkly and over the top.” Added Musgraves, “It’s just unimaginably rhinestone everything, and it’ll be really fun.”